Marland modeled his dream home after the Davanzati Palace in Florence, Italy. Breathtakingly beautiful, this "Palace on the Prairie" denotes incredible attention to detail with carved wood, sculptured stone, wrought iron arched doorways,Waterford crystal chandeliers and hand-painted and gold-leaf ceilings. Today Marland's gracious home and grounds are open for touring and still provide the backdrop for lavish galas, balls and festivals.
The grand Marland Estate Mansion, one of America's castles, is a showplace containing approximately 48,000 square feet spread over four floors -- complete with leather-lined elevator, twelve bathrooms, three kitchens, an elegant ballroom with 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling worth over $1.4 million, and seven fireplaces. The workmanship and beauty provide an aura of simplicity in grandeur, impossible to reproduce today. The Mansion is a National Historical Landmark.